The Terrifying Secret Inside the Locked Barrel of My Royal Father-in-Law's Only Daughter

Before Vincent could cry out, King George’s iron grip clamped onto his shoulder, digging deep into his doublet.

"Not a word, boy," the King hissed, his voice a low, venomous threat. "You will play your part, or your family's lands will burn by midnight."

Terrified and confused, Vincent was forced to complete the ceremony. That night, they were escorted to a secluded royal manor on the cliffs, heavily guarded by the King's personal soldiers. Once they were locked inside the master bedroom, the heavy silence of the night was broken only by a strange, rhythmic ticking sound coming from inside the barrel.

Vincent stood by the fireplace, clutching a heavy iron poker for defense.

"What are you?" Vincent demanded, his voice trembling. "Show yourself!"

To his amazement, Sophia reached up with slender, human hands. She pressed a hidden release valve on the side of the wooden structure. With a soft hiss of steam, the barrel split in half and fell to the floor.

Standing before him was not a monster, but a beautiful, pale young woman with tear-stained cheeks. However, her neck was encased in a thick brass collar, pulsing with a faint blue light.

"I am human, Vincent," she sobbed, her voice raw. "But my father is a madman. When I fell ill, he used forbidden clockwork alchemy to save my life—and to turn me into his ultimate weapon."

She explained that the brass collar was connected to her heart and mind. Through it, King George could control her actions like a puppet. The marriage was a ruse to get her close to Vincent’s family so the King could assassinate the noble council.

Just then, the blue light on her collar flared brightly. Sophia’s eyes went completely blank. Her body stiffened, and she raised her hands, pointing a hidden mechanical blade that slid from her sleeve directly at Vincent’s throat.

"Vincent, run!" she screamed, fighting against her own limbs. "He is controlling me! I can't stop!"